From 9 - 13 May 2018, the third edition of London Craft Week takes up residence in the capital. This annual event showcases the very best international and British creativity and craftsmanship through a ‘beyond luxury’ journey-of-discovery. The curated programme brings together over 230 events from all corners of the globe fusing making, design, fashion, art, luxury, food, culture and shopping.

From the V&A to The Shard and RADA to The House of Lords, hidden studios to Mayfair stores and bustling workshops to Michelin starred restaurants, London Craft Week is spread across the capital’s iconic buildings, influential institutions and off-the-beaten track side streets, many of which are not normally open to the public. Likewise, the programme spans a broad spectrum from unknown makers to celebrated masters, famous designers, brands and galleries. Emerging and established makers and artists such as Tom Raffield, Bill Amberg, Felicity Aylieff, Julian Stair and Grayson Perry feature alongside luxury brands including: Founding Partner Vacheron Constantin, Princess Yachts, Rolls Royce, Mulberry and Georg Jensen. Museums and galleries include the V&A, Geffrye Museum, British Museum and Wallace Collection and fashion designers include Vivienne Westwood, Mary Katrantzou and Hussein Chalayan.

International content includes wood carvers from Japan, artisans from Korea, wood block printers from China, designer-makers from Hong Kong, ceramists from Taiwan, umbrella and cufflink makers from France, porcelain painters from Germany, glass artists from Sweden, furniture makers from Denmark and a guitar maker from Spain.

Makers from the UK’s regions and devolved nations include upholsters from Norfolk, knitwear from Derbyshire and steam bending from Cornwall. London Craft Week 2018 has a special focus on Scotland’s creativity, with Scottish tailoring, weaving and woodworking demonstrations throughout the week.

The aim is to experience beautiful things not just as static objects but in the full context in which they were created, highlighting how imagination and talent combine with the very best materials and techniques.

An accessible and immersive cultural experience, London Craft Week’s visitors can eat, drink and view performances, meet artists, designers, makers and engineers, get a glimpse behind-the-scenes of famous brands and landmark buildings, see familiar products deconstructed, learn how things are made and even have a go themselves. The making behind famous shows and buildings are brought to life through a wide supporting cast including Doctor Who, King Arthur, Camron Mackintosh’s Half a Sixpence and RADA.

‘London Craft Week is a response to a renaissance in the appreciation of creativity and craft; to the role of hand, head, unique skills and true talent. It is another example of what, at its best, the world’s creative capital does so well – mixing glamour with cutting edge; heritage and contemporary and the commercial with the cultural. It is rash to make any predictions in the current climate but I’m going to attempt two for 2018. First, that people will continue to search for ‘beyond luxury’ in terms of exceptional creativity and provenance, rather than fame or expense. Second, that London will continue to demonstrate its place as a unique global creative crossroads, open to new ideas and welcoming to all.’ - Guy Salter OBE MVO, Chairman, London Craft Week